I try to avoid the politics here as of late. There are several benefits to this decision: I don’t have to have arguments with family members about something they read here. I can maintain a neutral standard in regards to my administration of TampaBLAB (Now 42 members strong!) And it helps keep the post count down, which probably benefits everyone.
But I just can’t help it. Our beloved President, who has managed to make even his staunchest supporters start to wonder what the hell he’s been smoking lately (see: Miers, Harriet), decided to address something that has nothing to do with Iraq, hurricane disasters, or hiring close friends to mismanage government offices or sit on the highest bench in the land. Understandably, with all the concern about the emergency response capabilites of federal, state and local officials, some of whom were apparently trained using rap songs and a Finnish copy of The Worst-Case Scenario Handbook, you’d think Bush might do something like suggest states actually work together to help brainstorm disaster response plans. Perhaps point to states with good, working models - one of the few things I will give Jeb(!) high marks for during his terms of office. Say what you want about the man, he’s got his emergency response group tight. But no, that would be sensible and require planning, finesse, and a desire for people to work together for a common goal. (Granted, there are states that don’t want to work with other states, and there’s nothing to say anything would come of this. But I digress.) Instead, George W. “Iron Fist” Bush would prefer a more…shall we say…direct approach?
Example: a bird flu pandemic occurs. Tens of thousands of people succumb to this potentially deadly virus. Who do we send, should when this hits US soil? Trained medical technicians, doctors, and agents from the CDC, armed with antiviral medication and backed by local law enforcement? Wait, what do you mean there are issues with the manufacture and sale of antivirals? I can’t understand why patent exclusivity would cause a problem with people being able to get an affordable medication. (That’s right, that sound you heard was my eyes rolling.)
Besides, that method required dealing with people and relying on the public to maintain order and discipline, which we all know in the aftermath of Katrina could never, ever happen, especially if poor people are involved. (Not that a lack of governmental leadership at every level had anything to do with it, mind you.) No, what we really need to solve this crisis is more troops.
That’s right, GWB has proposed using the US military in a law enforcement role on US soil, should the bird flu mutate, spread out of control, and begin infecting citizens. (There is debate ongoing as to whether or not this will actually occur, but what good is the media without an end-of-the-world story to report? Digressing again, sorry.) What a wonderful idea! Military as police on US soil!
Here’s a tip, George. Go find yourself a some grunts. Pick any branch of the service you want. Just gather about 20-30 of them all together, and ask them how they would feel about acting in a law enforcement role. I know you won’t care that their answer would be in strict opposition to your suggestion, but it is important that you know this before entertaining further discussion on the subject. No, I myself have never served in the military. But I’ve spoken to plenty who have. Solders are NOT cops. They weren’t trained to be cops. Their purpose is to protect the United States and its allies from forces that threaten it from without and fight our wars - not invade parts of the US to enforce martial law. How about this idea - let’s invade other countries where the outbreak starts! That way, we fight the virus over there - meaning we aren’t fighting terrorists here at home. Or something. Or maybe we would need to declare war on God - viruses are the ultimate WMDs, after all.
Don’t get me wrong, I think a public discussion on this topic is not only warranted, it’s necessary. This is a serious world issue. But brushing aside the Posse Comitatus Act because you can’t get your domestic health policy out of the asses of pharmecutical company lobbists and corporate interests is dangerous territory.